Ladbrokes and Gala Coral: Merger On!

Ladbrokes has announced the completion of its proposed merger with rival operator Gala Coral, in a deal that will lead to the creation of a business worth approximately £2.3 billion (€3.2 billion/$3.6 billion). Both businesses expect the newly branded ‘Ladbrokes Coral’ operation to boast net revenue of £2.1 billion as well as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of £392 million, excluding cost synergies of at lest £65 million. Under the merger agreement, Ladbrokes will issue new ordinary shares to the existing shareholders of Gala Coral representing 48.25% of the new combined entity, while existing Ladbrokes shareholders will own…